Kṛṣṇa Teases Rukmiṇī; Her Devotional Reply and the Lord’s Assurance
व्यूढायाश्चापि पुंश्चल्या मनोऽभ्येति नवं नवम् । बुधोऽसतीं न बिभृयात् तां बिभ्रदुभयच्युत: ॥ ४८ ॥
vyūḍhāyāś cāpi puṁścalyā mano ’bhyeti navaṁ navam budho ’satīṁ na bibhṛyāt tāṁ bibhrad ubhaya-cyutaḥ
Walaupun sudah bersuami, wanita yang tidak setia akan sentiasa menginginkan kekasih baharu. Orang bijaksana tidak patut menyimpan isteri yang tidak suci; jika dipertahankan, dia akan kehilangan tuah di dunia ini dan di akhirat.
In this verse (10.60.48), Kṛṣṇa states that an unfaithful nature tends to seek “ever-new” partners even after marriage, and advises the wise not to accept or maintain such unfaithfulness, since it leads to a fall from dharma and honor.
Kṛṣṇa is responding to Rukmiṇī’s anxious humility and love; in this chapter He speaks in a teasing, instructive way that simultaneously tests and deepens her devotion while also expressing principles of dharma.
It highlights the importance of integrity and trust in relationships: cultivate fidelity and character, and avoid enabling patterns that undermine dharma, responsibility, and mutual respect.